(Newser)
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True-crime writer Michelle McNamara, who was married to comedian Patton Oswalt, died in her sleep Thursday, Entertainment Weekly reports. She was 46. A publicist for Oswalt, whose film and TV credits include Ratatouille, Magnolia, and Veep, tells the AP that McNamara's passing "was a complete shock to her family and friends, who loved her dearly." No cause of death was given. Oswalt has not released a public statement; however, on Friday he re-tweeted a news story about his wife's death, per Jezebel, prompting a flood of messages from celebrities expressing their condolences. "She was an excellent & thoughtful person. I'm so sorry Patton," comedian John Mulaney tweeted.

McNamara founded True Crime Diary , a site that covers both breaking stories and cold cases, namely cases that were "out of the public eye." "I think what's interesting about them is there's more stuff to be unearthed that hasn't been in the public yet and you can do it," she once wrote. According to EW, she was known for both her compelling writing and "smart" amateur sleuthing, and at times served as a resource for law enforcement. McNamara and Oswalt, who married in 2005, have a 7-year-old daughter, Alice.

About 3 weeks ago I saw Patton Oswalt's comedy special on the Comedy Central channel. I was channel surfing and he told some quick, funny joke so I stopped and watched the whole show. He seems like a genuine, honest & nice, funny and very smart guy. I feel extra bad now for him now after I got to know him a bit from that stand-up comedy special he did. He even talked about how lucky he was to get a wife as beautiful as he had because being funny was the only way he could have landed such a beautiful woman.

Urbano

Apr 24, 2016 4:37 PM CDT

Sorry to hear this Remy.

312east

Apr 24, 2016 3:06 PM CDT

So sorry to hear this sad news! I always enjoyed his comedy. Condolences to Patton and his family. Rest in Peace, Michelle.